PRESS RELEASE: For immediate attention: DATE: 17/03/09

UNION MEMBERS TO PROTEST OUTSIDE DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

ACTIVIST'S WITCH HUNTED BY UNION LEADERS

DEFEND THE FOUR

The leadership of Unison, Britain's biggest public sector union has set up a McCarthy style trial to investigate four union activists. Members are angry that money and resources have been spent witch hunting committed trade unionists out of the union.

An angry and loud protest will take place from 8.30 am onwards on Thursday 19th March as the four victimised union members arrive to face these hearings.

Lobby of Unison Disciplinary Hearings

Thursday 19th March

From 8.30 am

Holiday Inn, Regents Park

Carburton Street

London W1W 5EE

A spokesperson from the campaign said

"This is an attack on the right of unison members to question and criticise their leadership. One Socialist Party member has already been expelled in Northern Ireland and others are being investigated. . This is a political witch hunt. All four on trial this week are members of the Socialist Party".

Mark Thomas (supporter of the campaign) said

"I know Onay Kasab - Kas. I have had the privilege of working with him on the Ilissu Dam Campaign and on the issue of trade unionist deaths in Columbia. To accuse him of being racist is utter stupidity and madness... those who brought this charge need to take a lie down in a quiet room, possibly with whale music playing and get a rest or they need to acknowledge their actions are motivated by other factors".